Torchship

[b:Torchship 28169657 Torchship Karl K. Gallagher https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1449787057s/28169657.jpg 48184170] is good science fiction – a solid four stars.I find it difficult to talk about this book without giving spoilers. It takes place in a future in which something has apparently gone very wrong. The main protagonist, “Mitchie” Long, is the pilot of the torchship Fives Full, a tramp freighter spaceship. She navigates and pilots using analog methods – really nothing much advanced over the methods used on WW2 warships. Why such methods are necessary in a far future situation is a mystery at first. One of the nice things about the story is the slow reveal of the cultural, technological, and military situation as the story unfolds. (There is a distinct lack of data dumps; it just isn't that kind of story.) The future depicted is very dangerous. Life is cheap and there is plenty of action.I can say no more. It was a fun story, and a quite well done first book.